EMERGENCY services raced to the scene at the Lecht Ski Centre in Aberdeenshire following the incident shortly after 3pm.

SIX people - five of them children - have been injured and 30 others rescued after a chairlift accident at a Scottish ski resort.

Grampian Police said the incident happened at 3.25pm and was the result of a "suspected derailment" at the Lecht Ski Centre near Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire.

Emergency services were scrambled to the scene and the Scottish Ambulance Service said they were dealing with "possible leg and spine injuries".

Braemar Mountain Rescue tweeted at 6.15pm: "Last rescue helicopter taking off just shortly from incident at Lecht with casualties on board."

Later a spokeswoman for the Lecht said: "All the casualties are in a stable condition, three were taken to hospital by helicopter and three by ambulance.

"Staff evacuated 36 people that were stuck on the other chairlifts and everyone was off the slope within an hour and 40 minutes.

"We don't know the reason for the accident, however the Health and Safety Executive and the Lecht will be investigating the cause."

Grampian Police, fire service and mountain rescue teams assisted with the rescue.

A police spokesman said: "Six people - five children and one adult - have been taken to hospital with what are believed to be non life-threatening injuries.

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Lecht Ski Centre location map

"Grampian Police and Braemar Mountain Rescue Teams were mobilised to assist with the rescue of those stranded.

"Units from Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and local doctors were also called to the scene to assist.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident."

Earlier, Lomond Mountain Rescue had said on their Facebook page: "Those injured in the incident are being assessed by medical staff and will be taken to hospitals in the area by ambulance or helicopter where necessary. Everyone else will be checked over by medical personnel at the ski centre."

"Six people – five children and one adult – have been taken to hospital with what are believed to be non life-threatening injuries and 30 others were rescued.

"Grampian Police and Braemar Mountain Rescue Teams were mobilised to assist with the rescue of those stranded. Units from Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and local doctors were also called to the scene to assist. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident."

Were you at the Lecht Ski Centre today or do you know anyone who witnessed the incident? Get in touch with our reporters on 0141 309 3251 or email reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk